Crucial Trading | Care Guide by crucialtrading

Your essential guide to natural floor coverings

Natural floor coverings made from natural fibres such as wool, coir, jute, sisal and seagrass provide the perfect base for creating the most beautiful and inviting rooms. Each of these natural and sustainable materials has its own unique properties, which this guide sets out to explain.

Important information about our floor coverings

Investing a little time in choosing the perfect natural floor covering for your home means your natural floor covering will live with you for a long time. Therefore, Crucial Trading advises retailers and their customers to read through all of the information in this guide prior to purchasing and installing the chosen product.

To ensure longevity and the best performance from your natural floor covering and for our full support, you need to:

• Choose the right product for your particular needs. All natural plant fibre floor coverings should be used with caution in high-moisture areas such as the kitchen and bathroom. Jute is best confined to low-traffic areas where it will wear well

• Ensure your chosen product is fitted by a specialist, using the correct installation methods and products

• Seaming: If seams are required it is advisable that they are discussed prior to purchasing. Due to the varied nature of our products some of our products will join more easily and neatly than others and what is an acceptable join appearance is subjective and will vary from customer to customer

• Specify INTEC stain inhibition treatment, which we’ll take care of before your floor covering is delivered (with jute products this comes as standard at no extra cost). INTEC works by coating every fibre in a polymer shield, which reduces the impact of spills and watermarks

• Tackle any spills as quickly as possible, using our Crucial Trading Stain Removal & Cleaning Set

• Use suction-only vacuum cleaners and avoid cleaners with beater bars which may cause damage to the fibres

Because our products are made from natural materials there will always be slight variations in the yarn, weave and colour which are all part of the aesthetic charm of a natural floor. During its lifetime, your floor covering will naturally lighten in colour.

If you look after your Crucial Trading product in the right way, you will have a floor covering that is truly special with excellent performance.

Wool

Wool, a natural fibre used in carpets since 3000 BC, offers many benefits for floor coverings. Its softness, warmth, and luxurious feel make it both comfortable and durable. Wool excels in appearance retention, with natural resilience, soil resistance, easy maintenance, and flame retardancy. Combined with its anti-static properties, wool is the ideal choice for a premium floor covering.

Dyeing

Wool is a very versatile fibre and can be dyed to a wide variety of fast shades from pale pastel to deep rich shades.

Crucial Trading has designed and produced a huge array of inspirational weaves - all using the highest grade wools - from textural little balls to sophisticated herringbones.

The floor covering

Crucial Trading has developed a unique range of exciting and texturally interesting floor coverings which will complement both modern and classic design concepts.

End-use The wool range of floor coverings can be used in most domestic locations with some products also being suitable for contract situations.

Conditioning

As with all floor coverings the wool collection should be conditioned in the area in which they are to be laid for at least 48 hours. It is recommended that the floor covering is unrolled, laid out and cut to shape but oversize by about 60mm to allow for any change in dimensions during the conditioning period.

Maintenance

See page 14.

Installation

See pages 16 to 23. Please note: All secondary backed/Wool products can be fitted using either these methods or by using the standard stretch fit perimeter fixing gripper system over a good quality underlay.

Sisal

Sisal is a leaf fibre obtained from the plant Agave Sisalana of which there are many varieties. The plant is grown in a number of countries including East Africa, Brazil and China.

The fibres are removed from the leaf by a process of decortication after which they are washed, dried and graded before being spun into a yarn suitable for use in a variety of enduses, including floor coverings.

Dyeing

Sisal can be dyed to produce a wide range of attractive shades with generally good light fastness. However, in direct sunlight deeper shades may be affected.

The floor covering

Crucial Trading offers a wide range of sisal products in different qualities, styles and weaves including herringbone, twill, plaid and boucle. The different ranges reflect the differences in the quality of the fibre, the weave and consequently the price.

As with all natural fibres there will be product inconsistencies, however, Crucial Trading’s policy is to minimise these by regular product inspection for quality.

End-use

Floor coverings made with sisal are hard-wearing and can be used in a wide range of locations including domestic and some contract areas. Special care and attention must be taken when installing sisal floor coverings where high moisture levels are likely e.g. bathrooms and kitchens. In most instances sisal natural floor coverings will give excellent performance. However, because of the natural properties of sisal, Crucial Trading cannot guarantee that shrinkage will not occur.

Maintenance

See page 14.

Moisture

Sisal absorbs moisture readily and floor coverings made with sisal can shrink. Care must therefore be taken when installing the product.

Conditioning

Sisal floor coverings should be conditioned in the area in which they are to be laid for at least 48 hours. It is recommended that the floor covering is unrolled, laid out and cut to shape but oversize by about 60mm to allow for any change in dimensions during the conditioning period.

Maintenance and installation

See pages 14 to 23.

Your essential guide to natural floorcoverings

Seagrass

As its name implies seagrass is a grass which is grown in China and Vietnamin paddy-like fields. During the growing cycle the paddy fields are flooded with sea water. After harvesting, seagrass is dried and converted into a yarn which is suitable for weaving into a variety of designs. The product is then backed with a latex compound to produce a hard-wearing natural floor covering.

Dyeing

Seagrass is a hard impermeable fibre which is not possible to dye by conventional techniques so that most products are supplied in the natural coloured state or with the addition of a coloured yarn such as sisal.

The floor covering

Crucial Trading pioneered the use of seagrass as a natural, stylish and hardwearing floor covering. There is a selection of different woven designs in the range, from the original natural colour to various designs with a natural seagrass warp and different coloured sisal weft yarns. Seagrass is good quality but the spinning and weaving processes are unsophisticated and therefore inconsistencies in quality are likely. However, Crucial Trading’s policy is to minimise these by regular product inspection for quality.

End-use

Seagrass floor coverings are naturally stain resistant, antistatic and hard wearing and can be used in most domesticlocations and some light contract areas. However, in areas of heavy foot traffic or where castor chairs are used, the use of loose laid mats or protective pads for added protection is recommended. Crucial Trading does not recommend the use of seagrass products on stairs.

Moisture

Seagrass is a natural product and it is possible that if laid in areas of high humidity or dampness mould or mildew can form on the fibre. Normally this can be brushed off when it is dry. In exceptional cases the mould or mildew can be treated with a weak solution of bleach or a sterilising fluid such as Milton. If the dampness persists then it is possible that mould and mildew will reappear.

Conditioning

Seagrass floor coverings should be conditioned in the area in which they are to be laid for at least 48 hours. It is recommended that the floor covering is unrolled, laid out and cut to shape but oversize by about 60mm to allow for any change in dimensions during the conditioning period.

Maintenance and installation

See pages 14-23

Your essential guide to natural floorcoverings

Jute

Jute is a natural bast fibre derived from the inner bark of Cochorous plants, which thrive in the hot, humid climates of Asia, particularly in Bangladesh and India. The plant can reach over 3 meters in height and 3 cm in diameter. After being harvested by hand, the stalks are soaked in slowmoving water to loosen the fibres, though modern mechanical retting methods are increasingly used.

The extracted fibres, up to 2 meters long, are washed, sun-dried, and baled for spinning into yarn. Known for its silky sheen, jute comes in a range of natural colours and is widely used in products like floor coverings.

Dyeing

Bright and relatively fast shades can be obtained using Azoic or Vat dyes. However, it is advisable to avoid putting jute floor coverings in areas of bright sunlight e.g. in front of patio windows.

The floor covering

Crucial Trading offers a selection of jute floor coverings including fineweave herringbone and boucle in natural shades. As stated above, it should be noted that jute can be affected by bright sunlight. As with all natural fibres there will be product inconsistencies, however Crucial Trading’s policy is to minimise these by regular product inspection for quality.

End-use

Floor coverings made with jute are not as hard-wearing as some of the other natural plant fibres but it has a softer handle which can be more pleasing to some tastes. When treated with respect jute floor coverings with their natural colour can be used to great effect in the home. It is advisable to avoid laying jute products in areas of heavy wear such as hallways, busy living rooms and stairs.

Moisture

Jute is an unusually hygroscopic fibre and can absorb water under humid conditions so it is advisable to avoid areas of high moisture. Floor coverings made with jute can shrink and care must therefore be taken when installing the product.

Conditioning

Jute floor coverings should be conditioned in the area in which they are to be laid for at least 48 hours. It is recommended that the floor covering is unrolled, laid out and cut to shape but oversize by about 60mm to allow for any change in dimensions during the conditioning period.

Maintenance and installation

See pages 14-23.

Coir

Coir fibre, from the husk of the coconut (Cocos nucifera), is extracted either by hand or mechanically. In traditional methods, husks are softened in water, pounded with stones, combed, and dried. Mechanically, husks are softened in water tanks, crushed, and passed through a drum to remove the woody parts, leaving the coarse fibers. These fibres are then washed, dried, and combed before being spun into yarn, used in products like floor coverings.

Dyeing

It is not usual to dye coir fibre although it can be bleached to produce a creamy yellow shade.

The floor covering

All coir products in the Crucial Trading range are produced by an authentic natural route. The hand-processed fibre, which is considered to be superior in quality to mechanical processed fibre, is spun into yarn and then woven on hand operated looms.

Crucial Trading’s coir range features basic hand woven designs in natural coconut colour and bleached cream. As with all natural fibres there will be product inconsistencies, however Crucial Trading’s policy is to minimise these by regular product inspection for quality.

End-use

Floor coverings made with coir are as hard wearing as sisal and can be used in a variety of both domestic and light contract areas.

Sunlight

It should be noted that bleached Coir can revert to its natural colour when exposed to bright sunlight.

Moisture

Coir is a hygroscopic fibre and can absorb water under humid conditions so it is advisable to avoid areas of high moisture. Coir reacts to moisture by expanding which can lead to the floor covering wrinkling and buckling. When discharging moisture coir shrinks.

Conditioning

Coir floor coverings should be conditioned in the area in which they are to be laid for at least 48 hours. It is recommended that the floor covering is unrolled, laid out and cut to shape but oversize by about 60mm to allow for any change in dimensions during the conditioning period.

Maintenance and installation

See pages 14-23.

Maintenance

This information focuses on natural plant fibres, but wool products can be maintained with both these and conventional methods. To preserve the look of natural floor coverings, it’s essential to maintain a regular cleaning routine and address spills immediately. Some natural fibres, like jute and sisal (especially lighter shades), can be prone to water marking. To reduce staining and improve durability, Crucial Trading recommends treating natural floor coverings with INTEC, our stain inhibition system, before dispatch.

The use of a barrier mat, e.g. coir at the entrance to premises greatly reduces the amount of dirt being walked into an area. Natural floor coverings are extremely absorbent and should therefore only be used indoors and away from areas of excessive moisture. Under no circumstances should they be wet shampooed or wet cleaned.

Daily care

It is easier to remove surface dirt from a floor covering than embedded dirt. A light cleaning with a non-beater bar vacuum cleaner will remove surface dirt before it becomes embedded in the floor covering. Because of their latex backing, which prevents dust and dirt build-up beneath the floor covering, natural fibre floor coverings offer fairly easy and basic maintenance and cleaning.

Crucial Trading recommends a suction cleaner without beater bars since the latter can cause some damage to the surface of the floor covering. In cases of heavy soiling with mud etc. the soil should be allowed to dry, then using a stiff brush along the weave structure, brush the soil and then vacuum with the suction cleaner.

Jute products or light coloured floor covering are not recommended for areas susceptible to soiling or heavy use.

General cleaning

It is recommended that all areas fitted with natural floor coverings be given a thorough vacuum at least once a week using a non-beater bar suction type cleaner.

Spillages

In the case of severe spillages the Stain Removal & Cleaning Set is recommended. The set comes complete with cleaning solutions, applicators and full instructions.

Prompt action when dealing with spillages will minimise staining. The cleaning kit is available from Crucial Trading and it is recommended that this be purchased at the same time as the floor covering so that prompt action can be taken in the event of an accident.

Installation

As with all textile floor coverings it is essential that correct installation techniques, materials, accessories and tools be used if a trouble-free installation is to be achieved. The following instructions will assist in saving time on the installation and avoid costly call backs to carry out any remedial work etc. Prior to fitting, the floor covering should be unrolled and examined for faults.

Valuable technical information is to be found in the following publications:

• BS 5325: 2001 Code of practice for the installation of textile floor coverings

• Carpet Installation Manual from the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers www.nicfltd.org.uk

Subfloor

Before laying the floor covering the subfloor should be checked to ensure that it is in good condition to receive the floor covering. The subfloor should be clean, free from contamination, smooth and free from indentations and ridges which could have an effect on the appearance and wear of the floor covering.

When installing floor coverings onto concrete or cementitious subfloors it is extremely important that the subfloor is dry and that the relative humidity is below 75%. This can be checked using a Hygrometer or other specialist instruments such as a Protimeter.

Moisture

Floor coverings made from natural fibres readily absorb moisture and can change in dimensions. The fibres react to moisture in different ways, for example sisal and jute products tend to shrink. Coir, however, reacts to moisture by expanding which can lead to wrinkling and buckling. On drying, coir tends to shrink, thus causing seams to open up. Extreme care in preparation must therefore be taken when installing these products.

Conditioning

Natural floor coverings should be conditioned in the area in which they are to be laid for a minimum of 48 hours. It is recommended that the floor covering is unrolled, laid out and cut to shape, but oversize by about 60mm to allow for changes in dimensions during the conditioning period. If site conditions do not allow for the carpet to be completely laid out it should be removed from any packing and loosely rolled so that air can circulate through the product.

Installation systems

Crucial Trading recommends two basic systems of installing their range of natural floor coverings:

1. Direct adhesion to the subfloor

2. Double-stick system over a firm dimensionally stable uniform thickness underlay, such as Crucial Trading’s Vital 6.5mm or 9mm Double Stick Underlay.

The use of blank gripper fixed around the perimeter of the area enables a neat finish to be achieved.

Please note: All secondary backed/wool products can be fitted using either the above methods or by using the standard stretch fit perimeter fixing gripper system over a good quality underlay.

Direct adhesion

Also known as the direct stick method, the idea is to stick the latex backing of the natural product directly to the subfloor using a permanent flooring adhesive. This prevents movement in the floorcovering and therefore greatly improves the look and the life span of the floorcovering.

Lay the floor covering out in the area and cut oversize by 60mm to allow for trimming in around the perimeter.

1 3 2 4

Use a chalk line to indicate the position of seams.

Turn the floor covering back to about half its length or width and spread the recommended adhesive using a notched trowel of the correct depth to within 2.5 cm of the chalk line.

Lay the floor covering into the wet adhesive. Repeat step 3 for the second half of the carpet.

Use a glider to ensure adhesive transfer to the back of the carpet.

8 6 9 7

Position the second length of floor covering overlapping the first length by approximately 3 cm and with a chalk line mark the position of the next seam. Fix the second length of floor covering. Repeat step 3 for the second half of the carpet.

Trim off the selvedges and cut in the seam with a straight edge. With some coarse weaves it may be necessary to use scissors.

Fold back both the unbonded edges of the floor covering and apply adhesive using the notched trowel. While the adhesive is still wet bring the two edges of the floor covering together and lay into the wet adhesive. Roll the floor covering along the seam. A bead of edge sealer should be used along the seam to help prevent edge fray.

Trim the edges around the perimeter of the area and tuck in to form a neat edge finish. Glide the floor covering after one hour.

Double-stick system

For the double-stick system of installation, Crucial Trading recommends the use of a firm, uniform thickness, dimensionally stable underlay, such as Crucial Trading’s Vital 6.5mm and 9mm Double Stick Underlay.

The basic principles of all doublestick installation techniques are the same in that the underlay is fixed to the subfloor with a tackifier and the floor covering is adhered to the underlay with a permanent adhesive. Although carpet gripper is not normally used in double-stick systems for conventional carpets, for added security and to minimise potential shrinkage problems, Crucial Trading recommends that blank gripper be used onto which the floor covering can be stapled for extra security.

1 3

Fix blank gripper (no angled pins) around the perimeter of the room leaving a small gap approx. 2/3 the thickness of the floor covering to form a gully for tucking in to provide a neat edge finish. The use of standard gripper is not recommended as pins may protrude through the floor covering. Use appropriate raised base doorbars in doorways if required.

2 4

Ensure that the subfloor is clean and free from dust. Apply the tackifier using either a special notched trowel or a roller. Ensure that the tackifier is applied evenly without leaving pools in the low spots. It is important to allow the tackifier to dry completely before laying the underlay.

After the tackifier has dried completely the underlay is laid into the tackifier. Effectively this creates a new subfloor onto which the floor covering can be laid.

The conditioned floor covering is laid out and roughed out to size. When the position of the floor covering has been determined it is folded back to about 50% of its length (or width), so that the permanent adhesive can be applied.

Using a 2.4mm notched trowel the adhesive is applied to the underlay. Do not apply adhesive to a larger area than can be covered in the open-time of the adhesive.

The folded carpet is then laid into the adhesive. The unadhered carpet is now folded back and the procedure repeated.

F. Ball and Co. Ltd.

Release flooring adhesive, F.40 Permanent flooring adhesive, F3 5 8 6 9 7 10

A glider, or similar tool, is then used to ensure adhesive transfer to the back of the floor covering.

Trim off the excess floor covering around the perimeter and tuck in using a tucking knife to ensure a neat finish.

For extra security the floor covering can be stapled using an electric stapler e.g. a Maestri stapler, into the blank gripper.

It is advisable to allow the adhesive to set up before use. For multiwidth installations follow the instructions as for direct adhesion. Ensure that seams are at right angles to the seams in the underlay and that all seams are sealed with a seam sealer.

Stairs

The following method is recommended for fitting natural floor coverings on stairs.

The following method is recommended for fitting natural floorcoverings on stairs:

The following method is recommended for fitting natural floorcoverings on stairs: Step The

Step 1

The distance from the crotch of the stair to the leading edge of the gripper should be approx. 1.5 times the thickness of the floorcovering.

Blank gripper is fixed to both the tread and the riser, in the crotch of the stair. The distance from the crotch of the stair to the leading edge of the gripper should be approx. 1.5 times the thickness of the floorcovering.

Step 2

The recommended underlay, as for flat installations, is adhered to the tread and the from the gripper on tread to the gripper the lower riser, using permanent adhesive the tread. On the staples can be used secure the underlay.

1 2

Starting from the top of the stairs the floorcovering is adhered to both the tread and the risers using adhesive. At the crotch of the stairs the floorcovering is pushed firmly into the gap formed by the grippers floorcovering stapled into the blank gripper.

Starting from the top of the stairs the floorcovering is adhered to both the tread and the risers using a permanent adhesive. At the crotch of the stairs the floorcovering is pushed firmly into the gap formed by the grippers and the floorcovering stapled into the blank gripper.

The recommended underlay, as for flat installations, is adhered to the tread and the riser, from the gripper on the tread to the gripper on the lower riser, using a permanent adhesive on the tread. On the risers staples can be used to secure the underlay.

When installing natural floorcoverings on stairs in areas of heavy usage or contract situations the use of nosings is recommended.

When installing natural floorcoverings on stairs in areas of heavy usage or contract situations the use is recommended.

Starting from the top of the stairs the floor covering is adhered to both the tread and the risers using a permanent adhesive. At the crotch of the stairs the floor covering is pushed firmly into the gap formed by the grippers and the floor covering stapled into the blank gripper.

When installing natural floor coverings on stairs in areas of heavy usage or contract situations the use of nosings is recommended.

Blank Gripper

Blank Gripper Underlay

Blank Gripper

Blank Gripper Underlay